Union Pacific Big Boy V2.0

[black8]

I decided to go for the Challenger/Big Boy pack after all, despite the rather meager comments made here and I must say that I am surprisingly pleased with them. Contrary to what is said about the cylinder cocks (by michaelth I believe) they do operate as shown in the pictures. Perhaps an update has already been applied today? Anyway, what I like most about them and what is an improvement compared to the old models is the double chimney effect. It is actually very convincing and impressive. I do not remember any double chimney locomotive in RS/RW that have a double chimney effect at all! So apart from the sounds that are not very convincing but may well be updated soon (although it is not that bad that I hear a Black 5 in the Big Boy sound) I can fully recommend this duo that fit so nicely on the Sherman Hill route ; especially at the discounted price being offered at the moment.
Jos

[MikeDu]

Well, I am well pleased with both Big Boy and Challenger. I am particularly impressed with the Big Boy double header scenario, the second loco opens its steamcocks and stokes independently of the driven unit (my thanks to Matt P, who I met yesterday at the Warley MRC show at the NEC, for pointing these features out to me). Yes, I did rush home like an overgrown kid to try it out.

[black8]

.....the Big Boy double header scenario, the second loco opens its steamcocks and stokes independently of the driven unit

That's right Mike and while underway, the second unit appears to 'work harder' that the lead (driver) loco by still blasting out black smoke whereas I was already easing on the regulator . Something else: I have no idea about the real power of the BBs in relation to the grades of the Sherman Hill route but the train appears imo a bit overpowered to have doubleheading BBs on such a relative short (for the USA that is) train.
Jos

[longbow]

According to Wiki, the Big Boys were designed to eliminate double heading on the Sherman Hill route and were rated for a 3600 ton load but regularly pulled 4500 tons unassisted. So yes I think two on the same train would have been rare.

[Trev123]

I do notice on the Challenger that a short time after the fireman puts oil into the fire the smoke turns black. Probably the same with the Big Boy the smoke turns black after the fireman puts coal into the fire. Nothing to do with when the regulator is opened. Makes more sense too me.

[OZINOZ]

According to Wiki, the Big Boys were designed to eliminate double heading on the Sherman Hill route and were rated for a 3600 ton load but regularly pulled 4500 tons unassisted. So yes I think two on the same train would have been rare.

This is true, however there are plenty of photos, and movie footage of them working in double configuration. Must have been simply awe inspiring to see and feel...

In reference to the sounds, in answer to a post I made on the RWA forum, they were "rushed" (my word) to get them completed and saleable for the American Thanksgiving Sale. the word was that they will be continuing to work on the sounds for a future update, (no time frame though), although no word on a model tweak to model turbine, whistle emission etc instead of nebulous steam just rising from a flat surface on top of the boiler. The whistle is finally pretty good - just needs work do it doesn't die instantly. having been lucky enough to have seen the Challenger a couple of times on my trips to the US, to me the sounds are VERY important and are part of the immersion experience. When starting off, it doesn't "chuff" but there is a great "whooommph" that you can feel. A 500+ ton loco has a presence in space.

Cheers...

G

[Trev123]

Yes as I have already mentioned, but it didn't take RWA for me to figure that out.

[crumplezone]

Well just bought the combo pack today....yeah I'd have to agree about them rushing it for completion in the sound department, I don't know who they are trying to kid with putting the black 5 chuff beats,brakes,wheel clank sounds on a huge hulking Big Boy/Challenger but your not going to convince anyone its the right sounds. The model is good, I don't mind the smoke to much and the whistle is alright, but its alittle let down by the rest of the soundset as these huge american steamers are known for there ear splitting noise.

I hope RSC decide to resolve this, but I'm not going to hold out to much hope...the original King class package which was promised a correct soundset never got it and still retains the Hall's soundset, only the later version released with S&C specials got a new soundset.

[Trev123]

They rushed it out with the wrong sounds so it could be purchased in the last 50% off sale. They are going to release the proper sounds. If you take a look in the Big Boy folder you will see the empty sound folders waiting for the proper sounds.